Fault analysis of voltage source inverter fed induction motor drive

This paper reviews methods to diagnose faults over the past few years and presented with the focus on comparative fault diagnosis that use on-line and non-intrusive techniques. A simulation (using MATLAB/Simulink) study has been made on input single line to ground fault and inverter base drive open fault. The speed and accuracy of the fault diagnosis requires signal analysis using Digital Signal Processors. The signal analysis algorithms such as Fourier Transform and Wavelet Transforms are studied and compared. Current research is exploring on Expert Systems for fault diagnosis due to the dominant usage of power electronics drives in traction, ships, aerospace, elevators, conveyers and military applications. In the above systems, the advanced diagnosing techniques are essential to avoid inadvertent shutdown and to sustain fault tolerant mode of operation. Also, the VFDs are used as energy efficient devices in many industrial applications such as industrial grade air compressors, etc., and techniques for neutralizing the pulsating torque under faulty single phase mode of three phase induction motor are discussed. The simulation study using FFT and Wavelets for detecting faults has been done along with analysis, for knowledge on fault detection is most important to protect with upgraded system and to improve the reliability of solid state drives. Detecting fault earlier, prevents the spread of failure and minimizes damage and reduces energy consumption.